Jamie Carragher says Pep Guardiola is preventing Phil Foden from reaching his full potential

Jamie Carragher has questioned whether Phil Foden fits in with Pep Guardiola’s plans at Manchester City.

Since bursting onto the scene as a fresh-faced teenager back in 2017, Foden has been labelled as one of England’s biggest talents.

Now at the age of 23, Foden has already won five Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups and one Champions League with City.

Foden has also represented England on 25 occasions and was part of Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

However, ahead of the new season, former Liverpool and England defender Carragher has questioned whether Foden fits in with Guardiola’s vision at the club.

Whilst speaking on The Overlap, Carragher said: “Phil Foden is not young anymore. Three or four years ago, we were saying he was going to be the best English player.

“It almost feels like Jude Bellingham has become that player, where he's the one we build this England team around. Foden can't quite get in the England team and can't get in the Manchester City team.”

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He added: “Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez have left, and they're playing in the Community Shield a week before the season begins, and he still can't get in the starting XI.

“We all know how good he is – what is it that's stopping him? Pep played Alvaréz behind Haaland – that's a position where Foden could play, but he still doesn't play him.”

On Sunday, Foden was involved in City’s opening goal against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield clash.

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The Englishman produced a brilliant turn to get away from Thomas Partey before sweeping the ball wide right for Kevin de Bruyne who then played it to Cole Palmer, who scored a brilliant left-footed curler.

City will kick off the 23/24 Premier League season on Friday night as they take on newly promoted Burnley, who are managed by Blues legend Vincent Kompany.